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12-The Canadian Champion, Friday, JuIy 20, 2001 Core work to be completed before Victori*a Day from BUSINESSES on page 4 including pnivate lots in the Town's tender means lower prices. According to engineering and transit coordina- toi Phil Antoniow, rough estimates show the improvements could cost between $7 and $15 per square metre, depending on the specifics of the work. No tenders have been offered and Mr. Antoniow stiessed these prices are "ballpark fig- ures." Additional saving would corne with the Town's GST rebate, which would see the work taxed at 3 per cent instead of 7 per cent. Businesses interested in taking part in the plan are asked to indicate participation by Wednesday. Thouigh buisiness operitors exptessed ,omnt. cuiosît y in Uhc DPI plan, they were-more inter- ested in discussing the Main Street construction slated to begin this spring. Businesses could lose The tmeline of the project is a major concern for downtown businesses, said Peter Haight of Dorland-Haight Galleries. If Main Street is closed off ton long, business could be looking at a significant loss. "I put 15 years into this town. Hard work and taxes cost me everything 1 had at one point in the '90s. I want something back and I want some guarantees," he told Town staff. "You'll have your job afterwards. 1 might not hive ny bhusiness. The Main Street reconstruction project wilI see the road closed between Brown and Charles Street for about three months (starting when the ground thaws). The goal is to have the work completed prior to the Victoria Day weekend, which marks the- opening of the Farmers' Market and a busy Urne for downtown shopping. Whether the entire section of road will be closed or closings will happen in sections hasn't yet been decided. "Al 1 can tell you is that date is as important 10 us as it i5 10 you," Ms Reynolds told Mr. Haight. "We need to plan for every eventuaîîty," she 5ýId (tOin I5 I hathe lhktly w rt '.i c : ri4 would see a deîay in the opening of the Farmers' Market. The entire design of that portion of moad is to be addressed. While working to straighten the road and improve its esthetics, other issues such as water, wastewater, and storm sewers lines will be addressed. The final Streetscape Study is expected to be presented to counicil August 27. The Streetseape Study wiIl be used as a guide, in conjunection with publie input, to determine the overaîl design of the street. I i _____________________ - i. ____________________ & -.--- -- j li , , q.